It is now well known that nanotechnology offers undreamt-of opportunities and possibilities in the fields of chemistry, optics, automotive, electronics, medicine and biology. The fact that nanotechnology also represents a beacon of hope for environmental protection and environmental technology, however, is a more recent insight for the public. That hope is as green as the dollar was already pointed out by Jeffrey Immelt, chairman of the large American conglomerate General Electric (GE), during his appearance in Germany. Immelt’s motto is “green is green” – just as the dollar bill in the USA is green, environmental protection has become a global growth engine for GE and others.
On 9 November 2007, Nanopool GmbH from Hülzweiler was honoured with the golden Green Apple Award at the House of Commons in London. The internationally recognised environmental award is supported by the British government. This year, over 750 companies worldwide were nominated for the award – companies that develop sustainable, resource-conserving products and solutions to market maturity.
The Saarland-based company was honoured with the golden Green Apple for the most innovative and environmentally friendly product of the year. Managing directors Sascha Schwindt and Lilly Schwindt accepted the award together with UK project manager Neil McClelland. The award was presented by the internationally renowned environmental researcher and author Prof. David Bellamy.
In his speech, Bellamy remarked: “It is fair to say that cleaning agents burden and pollute the environment, but this fantastic technology has the potential to practically eliminate this fact. By applying a microscopic layer of glass to virtually any surface, it becomes almost self-cleaning and a cloth is sufficient to remove any dirt.”
The products, based on ultra-thin layers for the modification and functionalisation of surfaces, can be used universally. Nanotechnology as a whole
deals with changing the physical, chemical and biological properties of a material, brought about by nanoscale structures. A human hair is around 50,000 times thicker than a nanometre.
The products refined by Nanopool are currently used as antimicrobial coatings in hospitals and in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In silos and other production facilities, they protect the surfaces of containers and equipment. In turbine wheels and turbocharger impellers, they improve flow conditions. A wine cork coating helps prevent cork taint. In the hotel and restaurant industry, entire kitchens, counters, tables, floors and sanitary facilities are given an antimicrobial finish, resulting in 40% lower costs and less time spent on cleaning.
Josef Klingler, head of McDonalds Salzburg, also highlights this effect:
“For us, Nanopool’s products mean: no more dirt adhesion, lasting protection against the adhesion of mould bacteria and a significantly reduced use of chemicals when cleaning.” The green heroes are also available for the household sector.
Managing director Sascha Schwindt assessed the award accordingly: “Being honoured with the golden Green Apple Award 2007 is a great honour and confirmation that we are on the right path with our innovative developments and our environmentally friendly, sustainable products.” The various products lead to sustainable effects and solution approaches in the areas of energy savings (e.g. for ships, truck and car engines), water protection (relieving sewage treatment plants), air quality (improving filter technology) and resource conservation (wood protection, water savings).